The program is comprised of two main areas – Professional Education and Concentrations.

Professional Education includes 15 credit hours comprised of collaborative study specifically tailored to the professional needs of your community and school district. WKU faculty and school district partners work together to identify course content reflective of community and district needs.

Concentrations afford candidates the opportunity to work towards individual career advancement goals. Concentration courses include content, pedagogy, and other areas of professional development that can lead to Rank change, additional educator licensures, and National Board Certification.

The new program speaks to WKU’s commitment to transforming the lives of students in our Commonwealth through excellence and ongoing community partnerships. The proposed program implements curriculum directly supporting professional growth and district goals, helping to ensure our community’s long-term success and ensuring educators receive the tools to serve as advanced professionals in their districts.

The program is arguably the most cost-efficient opportunity for Rank change and additional teaching credentials in the region. 

The tuition rate for licensed Kentucky public educators is discounted to $350 per credit hour.

WKU Educator Discount

Additionally, there are several opportunities to earn course credit and course fee waivers through existing WKU programs. Teachers in participating school districts may earn 6 credit hours of professional education through district partnerships with WKU including the Fall 2021 New Teacher Academy. Teachers eligible to host student teachers can earn a course fee waiver which may be applied toward the cost of the program. Newly licensed WKU alumni teachers (class of ’21 and beyond) will be enrolled in Classroom Management for First Year Teachers (EDU 502) at no cost, earning an additional 3 credit hours towards Professional Education. WKU undergraduate students who successfully complete qualifying JUMP programs can earn up to 12 credit hours applicable to the Concentrations.

With these cost-saving opportunities, candidates may pay for just 12-24 credit hours of the 30-hour program.

Students enrolled in WKU graduate programs are also eligible for financial aid and institutional scholarships.